Why sled?

Why sled, when you can fly? The kids were so anxious to sled in Ohio, they didn't mind the lack of snow. Grandpa and Uncle Justin helped them up and down the hill and all had fun. The camera clicked at just the moment Luke when airborne...lack of snow I think. He came up laughing but asking, "Am I bleeding?" The scabs on his face are just disappearing.

THE TRIP

It is interview season in our household. In November, we took a big trip to South Carolina and North Carolina to look at some jobs. We stayed with friends which was fun. The only negative was the stomach bug we fought along the way (think kids in the car with heads over trash cans..yuk!). Then December brought a trip to Ohio for the same reason. We visited with family up there. Now we are trying to celebrate the remainder of Advent. Here are some pictures from our trip.

Halloween

This year we had Indiana Jones, Spiderman, and Little PINK Ridinghood (Sarah is so creative and original). Max kept alive the baby chick tradition, as every Kelty baby has been the baby chick. Once we were ready to walk out the door Sean changed his mind and wanted to be Batman. Daddy took him to our dress-up box and dug out the costume. Then Sean decided to be a Ninja. Dad suggested one piece of every boy costume we have (Spiderman, Batman, Ninja, Buzz Lightyear)....but Sean settled on a regular old Ninja. Lots of candy was had by all. Oh yeah, and the 3 year old up the street who was slated to be Batman came as an astronaut instead. Apparently 3 year olds have a hard time with wardrobe decisions.

Max

Max is growing like a weed, as is the hair in the middle of his head. He somehow skipped over most of his 3-6 month clothes and is wearing 6-9 month clothes. He has chubby little legs, but overall he is just very long. He smiles quite a bit and tries so hard to "talk". He pays attention to all that happens around him and is surely learning quite a bit from his siblings, which may prove interesting once he is able to imitate their actions. He is super sweet and loves being cuddled and outside in the fresh air. I cannot believe how big he is and how fast he is growing. How I wish babies would stay babies longer!

Scenes from a vacation

We took a weekend trip up to Disney to celebrate the last few days of our passes. We even stayed at a Disney hotel, which was a blast for the kiddos. We had such a good time, and no...we don't jump on beds!

A dream fufilled....

Go Rays!

What do donuts have to do with baseball???? Just about everything in this town. This baseball season, Dunkin' Donuts offers a free donut for every Rays win. It's simple: walk in, say "Rays won", get a free donut. Every person. We like baseball. We love donuts. And with the Rays season extended due to the World Series, we are in donut heaven. I now pledge to be a loyal Dunkin' Donuts patron forever. Did I mention their delicious coffee is even better than their donuts? Go Rays!

Ha-WOW-ee

Sean's pronunciation for our trip was just right. We had a fantastic time, and it was more beautiful than I imagined. Here are our favorite photos.

My baby

I just love this picture and wanted to share it

Child of God

Several weeks ago, Max was baptized into the Catholic Church. It was a special day spent with special people. The last few weeks have been a blur, and I'm a bit behind on posts. So for all of you who weren't there....and special thanks to Aunt Mary who handmade his gown. I must admit, Sean couldn't figure out the whole boy in a dress thing. He told me it was like Little House on the Prarie. I love the gown!

Cinderella

She asked to do this. I said no. She was very sad and pouty. I thought, "Why not?" She loved it and thinks it was fun. Any time Cinderella, any time.

So big so fast....

Bigger and bigger everyday! Here is Max....week 5.

Stats: weight: 11 pounds 8 ounces (75%-90%)

lenghth: 22 3/4 inches (75%-90%)

head circumference: 40 cm (75%-90%)

They'll surprise you.....

I'm amazed at the ferocity of love that my children have for their new brother. While I am smitten with his cuddles, coos, and that wonderful baby smell, I'm surprised to find his siblings feel the same. Even Sean....the child who relished his time as baby and his cuddles with Mom more than the others. Sean simply exudes joy with regard to his brother. Max is the first person Sean must visit in the morning. He will sit by the bouncy seat for large amounts of time just looking at the baby, kissing him, rubbing his hands or belly, and talking sweet nothings to the baby. He has introduced Max to all sorts of strangers with glee. If and when the baby fusses he has three musketeers who dash to the rescue.....a binky, a nag to Mom that baby needs milk, a bounce in his seat, or a blanket across his lap. It brings me such joy to witness the love they extend to a new little person. They have all had their schedules "rocked" a bit and have had to make concessions to keep the baby happy, Mom sane, and the house standing, and they have, so far, done it with joy and selflessness. A surprise to me and a gift to us all. Just like Max.

Sweet Baby Boy

Here is Max, nearly two weeks old. His chubby face is growing! So far, he is a sweet, mild, little guy, who can put up with lots of sibling noise and love (pats that aren't always the most gentle, and vigorous kisses).

Sweet things overheard:

(Sean to a preschool friend): "Do you want to see my baby, Maximilian Conor? You can rub his head and give him a kiss if you want?"

Birthday Party for Max

Last Saturday, when we brought Max home, we celebrated his #0 birthday. The neighbors came for lasagna and cake. As gifts, we were blessed with the following: a neighbor who came over unannounced and mowed and edged our lawn, a neighbor who took the kids to her house to bake a birthday cake, a mother-in-law and nephew who made a delicious dinner and cleaned up the kitchen. Those are gifts this mom really appreciates!

Silver lining

Due to a "perfect storm" of events, Max and I are taking a break from nursing and I am pumping. Very sad for Mom, who hopes to resume soon. Very exciting for a big sister who dreams of giving her baby brother a bottle. Here is a photo of the silver lining.

Can you see him now?

It is a hard life to be a baby.....and a Daddy.

Big Brother

He's a big brother now, and loving it.

Change of Tune

Sarah Clare had her heart set on a sister. So much so that during a discussion a few days before Max's arrival, she let it be known that she would love a sister more than a brother. When he was born she asked why God gave us a boy when we already had so many. And then Max came home, and her tune changed. These are the messages I've been finding all over the house. What a sister!

Newest Blessing

Introducing our newest miracle and blessing from the Lord.

Maximilian (Max) Conor Kelty

Born 9:57 pm on 8-14-2008 (The feast day of St. Maximilian Kolbe)

9lbs. 14 oz. (yes you read that correctly)

21 3/4"

May the Lord bless you and keep you.

May the Lord let His face shine upon you and be gracious to you.

May the Lord look upon you kindly and give you grace.

We're off to....

We'll pass right by the Wizard the and the Yellow brick road and head straight for the hospital. I think baby Kelty is ready to meet the world. Keep us in your prayers!

St. Maximilian Kolbe pray for us! Blessed Mother pray for us!

Almost there

Just a few more days to my due date, and I finally think "baby" is figuring this out. Last week nothing was happening, and yesterday I was relieved to find out I am 3cm and having some contractions. So now we wait, and try to finish some chores around the house. Everyone is excited. No names are decided on....Patrick has a new list to take to the hospital with us...rumor has it Ronan is on the list. I'm out on that one. Feeling good, just a bit tired. Hoping for that dream easy, quick labor.......ha, ha!

Watch out Wall Street

The Kelty kids have savings accounts. This has been on my to-do list for a long time, and seeing as baby doesn't seem to know it is time to be born, I am cranking out some of these items. It was a riot driving to the bank listening to Luke teach Sarah economics 101. It went like this:

Luke: When we get more money we can invest it.
Sarah: What does that mean?
Luke: Have you seen the news with the little arrows that tells you if the DowDaq or Nassau is going up or down? They tell you if your company is making money. If it is you are making money. If it isn't you take your money out and put it with a company that will make you money.
Sarah: I'll take it out and bring it home.
Luke: NO! If it isn't invested or at the bank it isn't working for you. There is this thing called interest........

And he explained how that works and figured out 2% interest on his deposit and Sarah's.

That counted as math for today!

Eight is Great!

It is so hard to believe that Luke is eight. It seems like he was a tiny, little one just days ago....and now he is growing into such a great young man. He is loving to his siblings, helpful to us, full of knowledge, and always up for ANY adventure. We love him so! Here are pictures from his party....thankfully we had tons of help from Grandma and John. We couldn't have handled this on our own. May the force with with you all!

Ward off labor

Despite desperately wanting to have this baby.....I've decided I'm too busy right now. Not with nesting, cleaning, or cooking. (All the things I should be doing). No, at our house we are preparing for a Saturday midday birthday celebration....Jedi style. So I am making pinatas, making "asteroid balls", preparing to bake cake, and writing down movie quotes for games. My husband is on another level. He and my nephew (thanks be to God for nephews) are decorating the garage, by making it all black....making Jedi signs, preparing an obstacle course, and getting ready to make light sabers out of pool noodles. With my hubby it is all or nothing. Oh yeah, he'd like to add have a baby tomorrow, on the to do list! Well I'm too busy!

Birthday boy #1

Today is my hubby's birthday! It is such a special gift to be able to spend my life with this man. Here is my "current" countdown on why I love him so....

#10. He could careless about "birthday dinner" which is special here. Instead he wanted birthday breakfast of biscuits and gravy.....

#9. He just asked me last night, "What weird stuff do we need to clean...what is it called again?" Nesting.....he wants to do it for me! Can he have the baby too?

#8. We celebrate him today and then every evening until Saturday he is committed to helping me prepare the "Jedi Training Academy" for Luke's birthday.

#7. He does more discipline lately then me, and he follows through everytime!

#6. He does the yard work.

#5. He plays with the dog, because I am just too tired.

#4. He brushes Sean's teeth....a job I seem to hate.

#3. He won't care that his gifts were bought today, spur of the moment, at Kmart.

#2. He'll like the shirt and grill cleaning brush that are his gifts, and the fact I remembered to pick up his dry cleaning and get his watched fixed even more.

#1. He had patience to do this (give Bosco a haircut)....for nearly 2 hours.

For Mom

Hi (Mom)-

Here is the belly......quite big ehh? Feeling good despite my "jello feet". Walking these days feels like jiggly bowls of jelly instead of feet. But I won't complain. This too shall pass!

Science Camp

While Luke is away the others need to play. Sarah wanted a camp experience also. She complained about dropping Luke at camp and not being able to stay herself. Then we hung out at camp for a bit.

Sarah: "I don't like to be this hot or sweaty. My hair is too long. I'm scratchy. I don't like bugs!"

It was then I was glad I signed her up for Science Camp at the science museum. She's been learning about dino's all week! And Sean took a parent/tot science class for two days as well. It was a blessing to be able to have this chance with him as he normally goes to the big kid activities, not his own.

Hurray for camp!

The first time they leave home.....

It is very hard. Luke is away this week at summer camp and we will happily pick him up on Saturday. Things just aren't the same here. Not as much action. Not as much noise. Not as much love. Not as much help.

Yesterday, I forgot to feed the dog. Yep....it's Luke's job. Today, I took out the garbage.....Luke's job. But it isn't just my helper, go to guy when I need a hand, that I miss.

I miss the incessant stories about obscure science facts....I never would have guessed I'd miss those. I miss the first kid awake in the morning and the last one to bed at night.

Best of all, his kids miss him. Sean asks when he'll return. Sarah asks multiple times a day when he is coming home, and she always adds that she misses him and can't wait for Saturday.

It was only a week. So far we have survived. Can we homeschool for college????

No Name

This baby may never have a name. Patrick and I just laugh at each other as we continue to bounce names at each other.

Today it went like this:

Jessica: "What about Colum? Like that priest we just met. Saint Columban was awesome and Irish. I like it."

Patrick: "You mean like Gollum (from Lord of the Rings)"?

And another name bites the dust.

Cold Hard Truth

When you realize you look huge....and you still have a month to go.

Wife: "Honey what color of toe nail polish should I wear?"
Husband: (Matter of fact) "No one is going to be looking at your toes!

At the grocery store
Butcher: "Is this your last shopping trip before the baby?"
Woman: "Ha!!!! I probably have at least 4 more!"

Doctor: "This baby just keeps getting bigger"
Woman thinking: "REALLY??! I had no idea!"

And from every single person passing by on the street.....
"When ARE you due?"

Weekend Getaway

Patrick had a meeting in Orlando at a Universal Theme Park hotel, and he took us all along. We had a great time in the pool (think a whole day long), we stayed up late watching movies, we ate lots of yummy desserts, we did the hula, we had swim races, and water balloon fights, we ate out....and then the highlights. Luke and Sarah "loved" making coffee for us in the room's coffee pot, and Patrick and I hung out eating desserts and drinking wine...in the BATHROOM, while we waited for the kids to fall asleep in bedroom. Nothing quite like a "bathroom date".